Chicken breasts can be about as exciting as watching paint dry if you’re not doing something fun with them. But they don’t have to be the plain, uninspiring option everyone thinks they are. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn them into something that actually makes you excited for dinner. These recipes will show you just how versatile and flavorful chicken breasts can really be. Say goodbye to bland and hello to meals you’ll actually want to cook (and eat) every time.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Stuffed with ham, pineapple, and smoked cheese, this grilled chicken takes on a whole new flavor with a sweet teriyaki glaze. It’s a fun, tropical way to make chicken breasts feel less boring at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Salsa Chicken
Baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar cheese, this salsa chicken is a simple weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fast and flavorful way to spice up those plain chicken breasts.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Packed with melted cheese, black beans, and bold spices, these chicken stuffed poblano peppers bring plenty of comfort food vibes to the table. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for mixing things up with chicken breasts.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
A quick, 20-minute dinner with a bright lemony kick and Parmesan cheese. Paired with broccoli, this meal is simple but packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy nights when you still want something exciting.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken Saag
This easy chicken saag recipe is a spinach-packed chicken curry that’s perfect for when you want a flavorful dinner that’s ready fast. It’s a great option for keeping things exciting while still being quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Chicken Sorrentino
Breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and plenty of cheese, all baked in a hearty tomato sauce. This classic Italian dish keeps chicken breasts interesting and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Sticky, sweet, and quick to make, this honey orange sesame chicken is a takeout fake-out that brings bold flavors to the table in minutes. It’s a great way to make dinner fun and delicious without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
A one-skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of turmeric, chickpeas, and chicken is comforting yet exciting enough to keep you coming back for more. Great served over rice with fresh cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Pecan Crusted Chicken
This crunchy pecan-crusted chicken comes with a honey dijon yogurt sauce that’s a total game changer. It’s an easy, flavorful weeknight meal that’s guaranteed to get you out of your chicken breast rut.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This chicken quinoa bake is a healthy, simple casserole that’s great for busy nights. Using rotisserie chicken makes it even easier, and it’s a dinner your whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken soup with orzo will hit the spot. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple, flavorful way to add a little spice to your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
This one-pan cashew chicken brings fresh basil flavor and a savory-sweet sauce that’s anything but ordinary. A quick meal that’s perfect over rice, and will keep chicken breasts exciting in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Stuffed with mozzarella and tomato butter, this chicken marsala puts a spin on the classic dish. The added fresh basil makes it a chicken breast recipe you’ll actually want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
This creamy chili combines chicken, white beans, apples, and cheddar for a fall-inspired dinner. It’s a bit non-traditional but packed with enough flavor to keep chicken exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Chicken Lime Soup
This chicken lime soup packs a punch with its spicy, zesty broth. It’s like chicken noodle met chicken tortilla and decided to get exciting. Perfect for those colder nights or anytime you’re craving something with a bit of kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
This one-pan meal includes chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries baked together with a maple mustard glaze. It’s an easy way to add some excitement and balance to your chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant
Stuffed with chicken and cheddar cheese, this easy recipe transforms eggplant into a quick and satisfying dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great choice when you’re looking to make chicken breasts a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant
Jalapeño Chicken
Bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken paired with spicy jalapeños and finished in a sweet, sticky sauce. This easy takeout-style dish is perfect for anyone who wants to bring some heat to their chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
A 20-minute one-pan meal with garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. It’s a simple yet flavorful dinner option for any night of the week, keeping things fresh and exciting for chicken lovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Ready in just 15 minutes, these chicken zoodles bring all the flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout without the wait. Quick, easy, and a healthier spin on a classic dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet
This mango chicken skillet brings sweet and spicy flavors together with jalapeños for a fast and flavorful meal. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a great way to mix things up with chicken breasts.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
